The House Flies waste no time making their return felt on ‘Derelict Crawl’. The first single from forthcoming album ‘Lions and Ore’ is dark, forceful and full of momentum, pushing the Illinois band’s post-punk foundations into something heavier and more immersive.
A driving rhythm gives the track its pulse, while dense guitars close in around Alex Riggen’s driven vocals. It’s simple, direct and extremely effective, turning alienation into something almost anthemic without sacrificing the unease that runs through the band’s music.
The expanded four-piece lineup also makes a noticeable difference. With Burnie Eckhardt joining Riggen, Ozzie Woods and Nick Pompou, the guitars feel broader and more imposing, giving the track a depth that suggests ‘Lions and Ore’ could be a significant evolution from the band’s earlier work.
But what makes ‘Derelict Crawl’ so compelling is the balance between repetition and movement. The band allow riffs and phrases to circle long enough to become hypnotic, then push them forward with enough force to keep the tension alive.
As an introduction to ‘Lions and Ore’, the single does exactly what it needs to do. It hints at a darker, more patient and more expansive record while still delivering something immediate enough to stand firmly on its own.
Brooding, muscular and fiercely atmospheric, ‘Derelict Crawl’ is a powerful return from The House Flies and a seriously promising first step into their next chapter.
